Page 1 of The TV Show Rival
1
JAMIE
The insistent ring of her phone alarm made Jamie Nguyen wake up, and she swatted at it blindly to shut it up. With a groan that rivaled the rusty gate across the street, she rolled over and squinted at the pre-dawn light filtering through the blinds.
Ugh, 5:30 AM already.
She stretched sluggishly, the sleep clinging to her for a few precious moments before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. A gentle smile played on her lips as she heard a faint pop echoing from her lower back, making her wince at the familiar ache—a souvenir from yesterday’s particularly vigorous vinyasa flow class. But the ache was a welcome reminder of her dedication to a healthy body and mind.
Today was going to be a good day, she could already feel it.
Reaching for her half-empty water bottle on the nightstand, she took a long, gulping drink. Hydration was key, as she always said to her clients.
As she stood up from the bed, her eyes caught her naked reflection in the full-length wall mirror.
Her shoulder-length dark hair was a cascade of glossy black waves, tied in a messy bun. Her features were delicate, with gray eyes, a small, straight nose and full lips that often curved into a smile.
Her years of healthy eating and an active lifestyle gave her the athletic body she was so proud of.
She put on her shorts and singlet and headed over to the small kitchen, where she began a ritual as familiar as her own breath.
The kettle hummed to life as she set about lighting a small bundle of sandalwood sticks that lay in a carved wooden holder. With practiced ease, she lit one, watching the flame dance before turning into a wisp of curling smoke that produced a sweet, smoky aroma.
This instantly transported her to her grandmother’s tiny Hanoi apartment, where the scent had always mingled with the aroma of simmering pho.
She scooped a loose-leaf blend of chamomile and lavender from a cobalt blue tin into her favorite ceramic mug, adorned with swirling blue and white patterns. It was a present from her father last year on her 38th birthday.
Then she poured the steaming water over the herbs inhaling the fresh, calming scent as the delicate flowers unfurled in the hot liquid.
“Just what the doctor ordered,” she whispered as she took sips.
Draining the last drops of chamomile tea, Jamie set the mug down with a satisfied sigh.
Today was packed. Not only did she have her usual morning class at the gym, but tonight she was leading a special workshop at a local community center, a chance to introduce the transformative power of yoga to a new group of people.
Images played behind her closed eyelids—the tentative smiles of new students, the hesitant creaks of unfamiliar bodies finding new positions, the eventual sighs of relief and accomplishment—they made her smile.
Unrolling her yoga mat in the center of the living room, she glanced at the small Zen garden she’d meticulously built on her windowsill—a miniature landscape of raked sand, smooth river stones, and a single bonsai tree.
“Alright, body. Time to find our center. Today’s gonna be a doozy.”
Taking a seat in lotus pose, Jamie brought her hands to her lap, palms facing up. With each inhale, she visualized a golden light filtering into her being, radiating outwards to encompass her entire being. Exhaling, she released any bad energy, letting it dissipate like the morning mist.
Moments melted into one another until a soft chime from her phone timer signaled the end of her meditation and she opened her eyes, feeling centered and grounded.
The morning sun glinted off the chrome of Jamie’s Mazda as she pulled into the familiar parking lot of Zenith Fitness. Unloading her gym bag, the rhythmic thrumming of bass music from inside vibrated through the pavement.
Pushing open the doors, she was greeted by the therapeutic sounds of clanking weights and grunts of exertion. Her regulars, a motley crew of office workers, stay-at-home moms, and aspiring athletes, caught sight of her and waved enthusiastically.
Unlike the high-octane, boot-camp style some trainers favored, Jamie’s sessions focused on mindful movement and long-term health.
“Alright everyone, gather around!” she called out, her voice warm and inviting.
Most people stopped their stretches and migrated towards the center of the room, where she stood next to a large whiteboard adorned with a colorful anatomical diagram.
“Today’s session focuses on core strength and stability,” she explained, grabbing a marker and circling a section of the illustration depicting the abdominal muscles.
“As we get older, our muscles can weaken, leading to back pain and decreased stability. These exercises will help strengthen those muscles from the inside out, improving your posture and overall well-being.”